The Black Alumni Society will celebrate its 11th reunion April 19 – April 21, 2013. This event is the largest student, alumni and friends gathering other than an athletic event on the University of Arkansas campus. The theme “Think Back, Look Back, Come Back, Give Back” is the marketing and branding message of Dr. Bobby Jones BS’84, president, Black Alumni Society. Dr. Jones’ administration has continuously focused on ways to give back to the students on the University of Arkansas campus.

Dr. Jones has only missed one reunion since the start of the reunions in the early 1990s. He believes in alumni and friends returning to have an excellent experience reconnect and engage with classmates and reminisce over old times. But he also believes we each have a mission and a purpose as we return to campus. He truly believes in the motto: “Students First.” He stresses to his administration to make sure during the reunion we truly put “Students First.”

As we journey back to “The Hill” and as we reconnect with our student organizations, fraternities and sororities, faculty and staff, we also must make a special effort to connect with our students. Our ultimate goal is to make sure students have an opportunity to meet alumni and friends, develop and establish mentorships, share and embrace in the alumna/alumnus career successes, their struggles and accomplishments as a student on the U of A campus, and if alumni have an opportunity to interview and “Hire a Hog.”

Dr. Synetra Gilmer BSBA’04, EDD’12 and Ebony Oliver Wyatt BSBA’03 have planned a fantastic reunion with events designed to make sure you have an opportunity to meet students, alumni, faculty, staff and friends. If you were thinking about missing the reunion, “Think and Look Back” to when you were a student on campus and what an amazing time you had when alumni returned to campus.

If you are wondering how to get engaged, “Come Back” and attend and see the amazing transitions the campus is going through and how our departments, colleges, schools and units need your expertise and become excited about the opportunity of having alumni as speakers for an event. Recently, Dennis O. May, Colonel USAF (Ret) BSPA ‘82 volunteered and spoke at the RazorVets Banquet on November 9, 2012. This event was hosted by the Arkansas Alumni Association and the UA Veterans Resource and Information Center. The Black Alumni Society and the Latino Alumni Society along with Kabrina Gardner BA’10 assisted with developing the program.

“Come Back” and attend a fabulous “Welcome” reception on Friday night. This event is sponsored by the Arkansas Alumni Association and it’s our way of saying, “We are glad you are here and enjoy this wonderful weekend.” This year’s receptions will have a “Neo Soul” atmosphere, delectable treats and music featured from all eras.

As a new and returning reunion member, your registration and event participation is an outstanding example of “Giving Back.” Gus Farver BA’82 and Oliver Sims BSBA’85 along with Kappa Alpha Psi, Fraternity, Inc. host the bi-annual Endowed Scholarship Golf Tournament. This tournament assists with providing scholarships for students. If you haven’t registered to play golf, please do so as soon as possible. If you can’t hit ‘em straight, have your company sponsor a student team.

“Give Back” and attend the largest step show in Northwest Arkansas. We have over 1,500 reunion attendees, students and the community attending the “Back to The Classic” Step Show. If you think you are too old to “Step, Stroll, Hop, …” then you haven’t had a conversation with John L Colbert BSE ’76 MED’81, who serves on the Arkansas Alumni Association National Board of Directors and as BAS president-elect. He can show you how “Old School” teaches “New School.”

“Give Back” by attending the bi-annual awards banquet. We have alumni doing amazing feats and want you to celebrate with us as we celebrate them. Dr. Gilmer and Wyatt moved the banquet from Friday to Saturday night to make sure, everyone has an opportunity to attend. We also will celebrate the tenure and retirement of Dr. Gordon Morgan MA’56. Dr. Morgan is the longest serving African American professor.

BAS Endowed Scholars will be your hosts and hostesses while you are on campus and for the weekend. They will address the banquet attendees and give you an idea of how your financial support has helped them succeed on campus. They also would like to say “Thank You for Thinking Back, Looking Back, Coming Back and Giving Back.”

What would a reunion be without an Old School After Party? Not a return of reunion attendees on “The Hill.” After the “Welcome” reception on Friday night please join us at the Holiday Inn in Springdale for the “MasqueRed” party. Put on your favorite masquerade outfit or just a Jazzy Mask. It’s going to be a lot of fun. We also will have an after party immediately following the Awards Banquet. It’s the “Old School Grand Finale Party.”

St. James Missionary Baptist Church has graciously extended their services as our host church. Please join Pastor Curtiss P. Smith and the St. James family as we conclude our reunion with an uplifted Word, Praise and Worship experience.

Register now!!! Remember we must, “Think Back, Look Back, Come Back and Give Back!”

Angela Mosley Monts BA’80

Director, Outreach and Engagement

Arkansas Alumni Association